26 cook's SECOND VOYAGE JULY, 



extending from S. S. E. to N. W. by W. and appeared 

 to be continued. The islands to the east bore from 

 N. E. by E. to S. E. by E., latitude observed 16° 17' 

 South. As we drew nearer the shore we discovered 

 a creek, which had the appearance of being a good 

 harbour, formed by a low point or peninsula, project- 

 ing out to the north. On this a number of people 

 were assembled, who seemed to invite us ashore ; 

 probably with no good intent, as the most of them 

 were armed with bows and arrows. In order to gain 

 room and time to hoist out and arm our boats, to re- 

 connoitre this place, we tacked and made a trip off, 

 which occasioned the discovery of another port about 

 a league more to the south. Having sent two armed 

 boats to sound, and look for anchorage, on their mak- 

 ing the signal for the latter, we sailed in S. S. W. 

 and anchored in eleven fathoms water, not two 

 cables' length from the S. E. shore, and a mile within 

 the entrance. 



We had no sooner anchored than several of the 

 natives came off in canoes. They were very cautious 

 at first ; but, at last, trusted themselves along-side, 

 and exchanged, for pieces of cloth, arrows ; some of 

 which were pointed with bone, and dipped in some 

 green gummy substance, which we naturally suppose 

 was poisonous. Two men having ventured on board, 

 after a short stay I sent them away with presents. 

 Others probably induced by this, came off by moon- 

 light ; but I gave orders to permit none to come 

 along-side ; by which means we got clear of them for 

 the night. 



Next morning early, a good many came round us, 

 some in canoes, and others swimming. I soon pre- 

 vailed on one to come on board ; which he no sooner 

 did than he was followed by more than I desired ; 

 so that not only our deck but rigging was presently 

 filled with them. I took four into the cabin, and 

 gave them various articles, which they showed to 

 those in the canoes, and seemed much pleased with 



